University of Chicago

Learn about the University of Chicago. Read about its admission info, financial aid, and degree programs to make an informed education decision.

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About the University of Chicago

Founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1890, the University of Chicago first opened its doors to students in 1892. Today, the university serves over 15,000 students each year via its 203-acre campus. The campus is located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood on Lake Michigan, about seven minutes south of downtown. It was designated a botanic garden in 1997 and encompasses a blend of modern buildings and traditional English Gothic architecture.

The university touts the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and was ranked as having the number two full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program by The Economist in 2011. Its part-time MBA program was also ranked number one in the nation by BusinessWeek in 2011.

Academics

The University of Chicago offers approximately 49 majors and 29 minors to undergraduate students. Additional learning options include ROTC (Army, Air Force), teacher certification and study abroad programs. Each student that enrolls at University of Chicago begins his or her academic career as a 'Common Year' student. During the first two years in attendance, students complete a range of core courses, including mathematics, science, the humanities, and the arts, to name a few.

Due to the research success of faculty and students alike, the university has received about $472 million in sponsored research awards, has filed more than 3,300 patents since 1987, and serves as manager of Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (in partnership). Eight of the university's current faculty members are Nobel Prize winners. Since the university opened, its faculty members have won a total of 87 Nobel Prizes.

Admissions

Prospective students may apply to the University of Chicago via its Common Application website. Required materials include all previous transcripts, the completion of one extended essay and one short essay and a fee of $75. The university also requires admission test scores (ACT or SAT) as well as letters of recommendation.

As of 2011, roughly 98% of undergraduates attended school full-time, and 100% were under the age of 24. In terms of demographics, the primary ethnic/racial backgrounds of students in 2011 were: White (43%); Asian (17%); Hispanic/Latino (6%); and Black/African American (5%).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition costs and fees for undergraduate students at the University of Chicago were around $43,780 as of 2011-2012. The university estimates that books cost students about $1,300 per year, while room and board for on-campus living is around $12,633 per year as of 2011-2012. The university participates in the Title IV federal financial aid programs and also offers tuition payment plans if needed.

Roughly 70% of all students attending the school utilized some form of financial aid to finance their education in 2010-2011. The university's financial aid office awards an average of $37,500 in scholarships annually to each applicant. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the university's financial aid office to explore all available financial sources that may be available, including scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance.